Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery: How to Keep out of Trouble

Abstract

Innovative techniques have revolutionized minimally invasive surgeries, which has significant benefits for the patients. Despite the benefits, these advancements require a longer learning curve for an inexperienced surgeon. The authors have collected some pearls from their experience and from other surgeons. Tips and tricks about common MISS procedures such as minimally invasive endoscopic transforaminal lumbar disc and interlaminar discectomy, MIS, TLIF, LLIF, ALIF, spinal tumor excision, posterior cervical fixation and foraminotomy are described. How to stay out of trouble is explained with these surgeries. These techniques will help young surgeons to become proficient and achieve better outcome.

Keywords: ALIF; Endoscopic discectomy; MIS; Pedicle screw fixation; TLIF.